PARIS — The highest judicial authority in France has affirmed a lower court’s ruling that found former President Nicolas Sarkozy guilty of corruption and influence peddling during his presidency. Sarkozy, now 69, faces a one-year prison sentence but is likely to request home confinement using an electronic monitoring device, a standard option for sentences of two years or less.
The conviction stems from actions taken in 2014, when Sarkozy attempted to bribe a magistrate in return for inside information regarding a legal investigation involving himself. Both a Paris court in 2021 and an appeals court in 2023 confirmed this verdict. The Court of Cassation announced on Wednesday that “the convictions and sentences are therefore final.”
Sarkozy, who served as France’s president from 2007 until 2012 and withdrew from the political arena in 2017, continues to be a significant figure within the conservative political landscape in France. Recently, he was seen among attendees at the reconsecration of Notre Dame Cathedral.
In a statement shared on social media, Sarkozy acknowledged the verdict while asserting he would “assume my responsibilities and face all the consequences.” He expressed his discontent with what he perceives as an “unjust” ruling, emphasizing, “I have no intention of complaining. But I am not prepared to accept the profound injustice done to me.” Sarkozy intends to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights, urging for a judgment that he believes would favor him.
He reiterated his stance of full innocence, declaring, “My determination is total in this case as in all others.” His attorney, Patrice Spinosi, confirmed that Sarkozy will abide by the court’s decision, meaning the former leader will be required to wear the electronic ankle bracelet.
This historic ruling marks the first instance in modern French history in which a former president has received a prison sentence for actions committed while in office. Sarkozy’s predecessor, Jacques Chirac, was convicted in 2011 of public fund misappropriation during his tenure as Paris mayor, leading to a two-year suspended sentence.
Sarkozy has been embroiled in various legal troubles and consistently denies any wrongdoing. He is set to face another trial next month concerning allegations that he accepted substantial funds from former Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi to illicitly finance his victorious 2007 presidential campaign.
The current corruption case, pivotal to Wednesday’s ruling, revolved around phone conversations traced back to February 2014. At that time, an investigation was underway concerning the financial aspects of Sarkozy’s 2007 campaign. During this inquiry, it was uncovered that Sarkozy and his lawyer, Thierry Herzog, were using covert mobile phones linked to the alias “Paul Bismuth” for their communications.
Subsequent wiretaps led prosecutors to suspect that Sarkozy and Herzog had purportedly promised magistrate Gilbert Azibert a position in Monaco in exchange for confidential information related to another of Sarkozy’s legal issues. Azibert ultimately did not receive the job, and legal action connected to the case in which information was sought has since been dropped. Nevertheless, prosecutors concluded that the proposal constituted corruption under French law, regardless of whether the promise was ultimately fulfilled. Sarkozy has categorically denied any ill intent regarding his offer to assist Azibert. Both Azibert and Herzog have also been convicted in the same scandal.